Joseph Hedric Noland, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation. Born on May 20, 1935, in Waynesville, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Reuel and Coyd (Woody) Noland.

Joe was raised in the Bow-Legged Valley community of Waynesville and graduated from Waynesville Township High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy. During his military service, he married Kyleen Campbell, in 1955. Together they welcomed three children: Damon, Jori, and Cassee. Kyleen preceded him in death in 1975. In 1982, Joe married Irene, with whom he shared forty-three years.

Joe dedicated his career to Dayco Rubber, where he worked as a maintenance clerk until his retirement. He was actively involved in the workplace, serving as president of the WNC Community credit union and as secretary of the Dayco Rubber union.

A true outdoorsman, Joe found great joy in fishing, camping, squirrel hunting, and spending time at the family cabin on Campbell Creek. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family and loved making memories with those closest to him and all his grand-dogs.

Joe will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his love of the outdoors, and his devotion to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Left to mourn Joseph’s passing, is his spouse, Irene Noland; Children, Jori (Bill) Miller; Cassee (David) Farmer; stepchildren, Martin (Denise) Clark, Christy Pelkey, and David (Kelly) Sutton; grandchildren: Zakery (Tammie) Noland, Connor (Toria) Noland, Cori Mathis, Grady (Kaitlyn) Farmer, Kyla-Jo Farmer, Shelby (Jacob) Parks, Hanna (Tyler) Walden, Tiger and Noland Sutton; step grandchild, Wright Miller; daughter-in-law, June Noland; 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kyleen Noland: son, Damon Noland, parents, Reuel and Coyd Noland.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Crabtree United Methodist Church with Rev. David Reeves officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to service. 

The care of Mr. Noland is handled by Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville